Pollinator Survey returns for Open Farm Sunday

Organisers of Open Farm Sunday are hoping to build on the success of the first national Farm Pollinator survey.

Last year people across Britain recorded a staggering 16,000 insects for the survey, conducted on 36 farms.

Insects like bees, wasps, hoverflies and butterflies are critical for the growth of crops such as fruit and vegetables and are vital to British farmers.

The survey is being organised by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF).

Experts from CEH are encouraging visitors to selected farms on Open Farm Sunday (9 June) to count the number and type of insects they see in different habitats – both field margins or crops.

Helen Roy, from CEH, who is leading the research, said: “Many people are concerned about the declines that have been observed for many groups of insects over the last decade. Insects that play a vital role in pollination are no exception.

“It is so important that we monitor these insects and the information we can collect year on year through the Open Farm Sunday National Pollinator Survey will make a fantastic contribution to our understanding of insect populations.”

There are still opportunities for farms opening for Open Farm Sunday to take part in the pollinator survey.

Anyone interested in applying should contact Annabel Shackleton at LEAF on 024 7641 3911. Farms taking part will be linked with scientists and experts to help run the survey.